16 Feb 2023 | 04:04 PM UTC
Chile: Wildfires continue to cause disruptions across central and south-central regions as of Feb. 16 /update 6
Disruptions due to wildfires continue across parts of central and south-central Chile as of Feb. 16. Evacuations and curfews ongoing.
Event
Wildfires continue to cause disruptions across parts of central and south-central Chile as of Feb. 16. Although the situation has moderated somewhat in recent days, the National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (Servicio Nacional de Prevencion y Respuesta ante Desastres, SENAPRED) has reported that there are still 219 active fires across the country, of which emergency services are currently fighting 53. The fires have burned nearly 435,000 hectares (1,075,00 acres) across the affected regions and authorities have reported at least 25 fatalities and more than 3,000 others injured mainly across Biobio, La Araucania, and Nuble regions. A majority of the around 2,500 homes damaged by the fires and more than 300 people in emergency accommodation are also located in these three regions. Evacuations have been ordered across several communes in the area.
Authorities have placed Biobio, La Araucania, and Nuble regions under an exceptional state of catastrophe. Curfews are in place across 29 communes in these three regions due to the threat of wildfires. The curfews are in place during the hours of 00:00 to 05:00 until further notice. Authorities could introduce new curfews or rescind or amend existing measures dependent on the progression of wildfires in the affected regions over the coming days.
SENAPRED is maintaining Red forest fire alerts (the highest level on a three-tier scale) across Biobio, La Araucania, and Nuble regions, as well as for four communes in Maule Region and one commune in O'Higgins Region where fires are threatening homes and causing evacuations. Yellow forest fire alerts have been issued for three communes in Los Rios Region. Green preventative early warnings for forest fires have been issued across Metropolitana and O'Higgins regions. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories dependent on the development of wildfires and changing weather conditions over the coming days.
The continuing spread of wildfires across the region comes amid heatwave warnings across parts of the affected area. As of Feb. 16, the Chilean Meteorological Directorate has issued yellow high temperature warnings across much of Biobio, Maule, and Nuble regions Feb. 17-18. Due to the high temperatures and dry conditions forecast over the coming days, further wildfire growth is likely.
Transport
Multiple roads will likely continue to be affected by the wildfires, especially in Biobio, La Araucania, and Nuble regions. The status of roads may change with little to no warning; authorities could close more routes within the fire complex and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and response operations needs. Traffic disruptions are also likely during reentry periods after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.
Smoke and ashfall from bushfires may cause poor air quality in surrounding areas. Power outages and utilities that rely on electricity could experience outages within and near the wildfire complex.
Health
Smoke from fires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, and possibly building materials. Such smoke can hurt the eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke may also worsen symptoms for people with preexisting respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Advice
Heed all evacuation orders. Monitor official news sources. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected areas; road closures and detours will likely cause increased congestion and delays. Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in a "go-bag" that can be easily accessed. Charge battery-powered devices in case of prolonged power outages.
